As summer winds down, families are gearing up for the excitement of a new school year, and that includes the littlest learners. To make sure prekindergarten children aren’t left out of the back-to-school buzz, University of Nevada, Reno Extension is proud to host its 10th annual Kickoff to Kindergarten fair. Designed for children ages 3 to 5 and their parents, the event offers fun, interactive opportunities to build the knowledge and skills children need to confidently step into kindergarten. 

Celebrating 10 years of preparing young children for kindergarten, Extension is also celebrating 10 years of partnering with Las Vegas – Clark County Library District and Vegas PBS to provide this free event, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Aug. 26, at the East Las Vegas Library, 2851 E. Bonanza Road. Backpacks, lunch bags, T-shirts for kids, a social-emotional learning game and school supplies will be given out to the first 250 families by Extension. 

“It’s been so impactful bringing the community together and focusing on the importance of school readiness for young children,” YaeBin Kim, Extension specialist, said. “I’m so grateful for our hardworking Partners in Parenting team and our amazing community partners. Without them, this event wouldn’t be possible.” 

Extension’s Partners in Parenting Program, which empowers parents and caregivers with practical, research-based tools to support child development and strengthen family relationships, started the event in 2016 with just six vendors and community partners. Over the years, the event has grown immensely. Just last year, the 2024 event had more than 800 participants from 51 zip codes and included more than 40 vendors. 

“Kickoff to Kindergarten is an event we never miss,” Jessica Russell, Vegas PBS Ready To Learn coordinator, said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to connect with community organizations, gather valuable resources, and learn how to support their young children as they grow and prepare for school. The energy, the learning and the sense of community make it truly special.” 

The Library District shared a similar sentiment. 

“Kickoff to Kindergarten is celebrating its 10th year!” Shana Harrington, Library District youth services manager, said. “Each year the event grows. It has impacted families across the Valley, but specifically the Eastside community. We anticipate even more families at this year's event and cannot wait to help them kick off their kindergarten year!” 

This year’s event will include even more entertainment than in past years, making it not only a valuable opportunity for parents, but also a great source of entertainment for kids. Families can expect tools such as safety resources from the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, dental screenings by UNLV and vision screenings by Walmart Vision Center. At the same time, they’ll have the chance to enjoy outdoor games, face painting, balloon artists and live performances, including Mariachi Perla Tapatia De Las Vegas, a ballet folkloric group, at 10 a.m., and Comedian Adam London at noon. 

Additionally, children will be able to meet Malik from the PBS show “Work It Out Wombats!” as seen on Vegas PBS, visit the Clark County School District Book bus and enjoy dairy treats from the Dairy Council of Nevada. 

In addition to Extension’s Partners in Parenting Program, other Extension programs will be there to offer activities and information, including 4-H Youth Development, Healthy Aging Initiative, Early Childhood Development, Healthy & Nutrition, and Youth Horticulture Education teams. 

Other supporters or participants in the event include Clark County School District Family Engagement, Early Childhood Department, and Child Find Departments; Acelero Learning Clark County Head Start; Bureau of Land Management; City of Las Vegas Pop Up Recreation; Clark County Family Services and Foster Care; Dairy Council of Nevada; District Office of Congresswoman Dina Titus; Grant a Gift Autism Foundation - Ackerman Center; Henderson Libraries; Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department; Nevada Blind Children's Foundation; Nevada Department of Education (Office of Early Learning & Development); Nevada PEP; Nevada Treasury; North Las Vegas Library District; Prevent Child Abuse Nevada; Safe Routes to School; Scouting America; Select Health; Spread the Word Nevada; The Children's Cabinet; Three Square; UNLV’s School of Dental Medicine, School of Nursing, and Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine; and Walmart Vision. 

For more information, visit the Kickoff to Kindergarten event website or email Extension Program Officer Heidi Petermeier. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should email Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator or call him at 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs or for more information.